we just had a good time.

I LOVE this...and I love Julia Child. I think I should make one.

Walk in Faith...thank you Sara.

Inspired to write...

Sometimes life hands you what seems to be unbearable hardship. You aren't quite sure how you'll make it through the day or take another step. But just when it seems to be too much, you find that you do, indeed, have the strength to take just one more step...and another...and another. Walking by faith is the only way to do this...we just have to continue to trust that Jesus has the perfect plan for our lives. And even though it seems messy and hard to understand, that is okay. I don't think we are supposed to...that's the whole reason for faith. I challenge you to simply trust and keep on truckin' knowing that we have a faithful God that loves us more than we can imagine.

grateful

I just feel so joyful on this beautiful Saturday and have so much to be grateful for. My first week of teaching was amazing. I love all 29 of my energetic 2nd graders and cannot wait to see what the weeks and months ahead have in store for me. I anticipate learning as much from these little 7 and 8 year olds as they learn from me. With the jitters of starting a new job behind me, I can now push forward. Week 1 complete, 13 more to go. It's gunna fly...

Guess what? It's a miracle, the SUN is shining in Seattle today! My wonderful husband bought me a new beautiful hybrid Specialized bike last week and today, I was able to introduce it to the pavement of Seattle. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and the outdoor activity felt beyond refreshing. When the sun peeks it's little rays out, anyone and everyone comes out of hibernation. The people here are so active and motivated...very non-American, right? I recently realized that you rarely see someone who is extremely out of shape. It probably has to do with the fact that the traffic is maddening and riding bikes and walking is so much more convenient...if do-able. Let's just say that the Burke-Gilman was full of people loving life today...along the water of Lake Washington, it was a great way to begin the weekend.

January is a time for new beginnings and I feel like we have had lots. We decided to finally go through with the membership process of our church, Mars Hill. We began class this week on Wednesday evenings and on Thursdays, we joined a new community group. It is so refreshing to meet other believers walking the same road as you. The leaders of the group are actually from Billings and I went to high school with one of them which is really exciting. A little piece of home once again. I swear, these Montana people are EVERYWHERE in Seattle. I won't complain! So needless to say, we are busy, busy throughout the weekdays but we love our little life. Such a unique time with just the two of us figuring out marriage and our very own way of doing everything beings our families aren't nearby. We do miss them all of the time but it is nice to have our own little gig out here :)

Well, Matt is at the driving range with Jeff and I'm supposed to be working on lesson plans so I guess I better get on that! Just wanted to share my joy and gratitude for today.

just.another.wednesday.morning

During my last week of freedom, I planned on sleeping in, drinking coffee, watching movies, and well...that's about it. I'm really sad to say that I'm just not enjoying the down time. I can't sleep in and I don't feel like being lazy. I know that when Tuesday morning rolls around at approximately 6:00 a.m., I'm going to want to do nothing but stay in bed. Funny how that works, eh?

Well, let's see. We had so much fun with Chad & Cassidi here this last weekend! They are easy to please so we spent the weekend eating (lots) and just bumming around Seattle. A few pit stops here and there at Columbia Winery, Redhook Brewery, Greenlake, Umi, and Matador were just a few of the highlights...thanks for coming guys!

And now there is SNOW on the ground! It never snows in Seattle and has already snowed twice this year. It's so funny because it paralyzes the entire city but it's sometimes fun to feel trapped...the people in this busy city should take a few moments to breathe every now and again anyways. Believe it or not...one can actually survive without going to work and Starbucks. Weird concept, I know.

I don't even know why I'm blogging because I don't have too much to say...so I'll let you stop reading :)

onto.a.new.year

We're back from Montana! Two weeks sure fly by when you're having fun! It was so much fun being back and seeing so many of our favorite people. Not to mention, it was constantly sunny, lots of snow, and no traffic. Can't really ask for too much more. But...as refreshing as it was, it's always good to be "home", right? This is just the beginning of an exciting year for our little family of two. 2010 was full of blessings and we are so grateful for that...but we are also ready for normal life...whatever that means.

On January 18th, I begin my first day of teaching the 2nd grade! I am so excited, I can barely stand it. Until then, Matt and I are enjoying the company of the lovely Vanessa, Chad, and Cassidi! We love having visitors...please come visit :) Little pieces of home brought to us out here in rainy Seattle. It's always fun to have Vanessa here...it means we get to eat lots of sushi and drink wine! Chad and Cassidi fly in tomorrow morning and I cannot wait. Such a great way to end my season of playing stay-at-home wife :)

Other than that, I'm happy to report that nothing new is coming our way. Matt is still hard at work at Boeing, ceasing every opportunity for growth and learning. It'll be interesting to see where he will choose to go with his career...I watched fly fishing on the Big Horn pull at his heart strings last week which makes me smile. No matter where we're at, I continue to be grateful for a husband that will always willingly support our little family and incorporate as much fun into our lives as possible.